Obituaries - June 22

Merle was born July 31, 1917, in The Dalles, Ore., to Glenn and Naomi (Milford) Faulkender. Merle went to join his beloved wife of 63 years, Hazel on June 19, 2005, in The Dalles.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, June 23, at 1 p.m. at the Upper Valley Cemetery in Parkdale, Ore.

A visitation will be held Thursday, June 23, from 9 a.m. until noon at Anderson’s Tribute Center.

Merle and Hazel were long time residents of Mt. Hood, Ore. They were both very active in the Upper Valley and Hood River Lions, with Merle having served as Zone Chairman and President as well as other offices. He was awarded the prestigious Melvin Jones Award.

Merle married Hazel Bush on April 6, 1941, and together they raised four children. He managed fruit processing plants in California and Florida.

They enjoyed traveling and were fortunate enough to have visited 49 states, Canada and Mexico.

Merle had an outgoing personality and enjoyed meeting and talking to people. Merle’s greatest love was his wife, Hazel, who preceded him to Heaven on Feb. 19, 2004. His family was very important to him.

He is survived by their four children, Sharon and her husband, George Budd, of Tacoma, Wash., Susan Whinery of Turlock, Calif., Michael Faulkender and his wife, Sue, of Mt. Hood, and Patricia Hirata of The Dalles.

They were the proud grandparents of 12 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Jane Bush of Gold Bar, Wash., and many family members, friends and ex-sons-in-law who Merle and Hazel always continued to care for as “sons”: Ronald Schell of Lodi, Calif., and Kim Bell of Parkdale.

We will always remember his laughter, singing, story telling, willingness to help others, generosity and infectious smile.

We love you Daddy, grandpa, and great grandpa. You will be deeply missed, but always in our hearts. We are thankful you are both together again.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lion’s Sight and Hearing Foundation, c/o Anderson’s Tribute Center (Funerals-Receptions-Cremations), 1401 Belmont, Hood River, OR 97031. Symphathy cards may also be sent to Anderson’s Tribute Center.